Disciplinary outcome: Maria Sexton
Order by consent
In the matter of
Mrs Maria Sexton MAAT
Membership number
10423150
Date
27 September 2022
Misconduct
Maria Sexton’s professional or personal conduct, was found to be in breach of the Code of Professional Ethics and to have posed a risk to the public or was likely to undermine public confidence in the Association or its members; namely:
1. Between on or around 12 January 2017 and on or around 21 October 2021, she failed to apply adequate risk-based due diligence and ongoing monitoring measures in respect of one or more clients.
2. Between on or around 12 January 2017 and on or around 21 October 2021, she did not carry out and/or record an adequate firm-wide money laundering risk assessment.
3. Between on or around December 2020 and on or around 21 October 2021, she did not open a clients’ money account, in accordance with regulation 10 of AAT’s Clients’ Money policy.
4. From an unknown date up until on or around 21 October 2021, she failed to hold the minimum level of insurance cover required, in accordance with AAT’s Professional Indemnity Insurance policy.
5. Between on or around 12 January 2017 and on or up around 21 October 2021, she failed to maintain a continuity of practice agreement in accordance with AAT’s Continuity of Practice policy.
6. Between on or around 12 January 2017 and on or around 21 October 2021, she provided company secretarial services outside the scope of your license.
Finding
Grounds for disciplinary action existed and the matter was suitable for exercise of the Investigations team's powers under the Disciplinary Regulations.
Order
Maria Sexton is hereby:
i. Reprimanded: Severe Reprimand to remain on Mrs Sexton’s record for a period of 2 years.
ii. Fined £500
Consent
Maria Sexton has agreed to submit to the decision of the Investigations Team in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Disciplinary Regulations.
